Experiences Promote Responsibility

A generation or two ago, parents promoted the characteristics of initiative and perseverance to their children. In other words, parents thought twice before doing things for young people that the youngsters could do for themselves. Of course, without the presence of 24/7 technology permeating every aspect of life back then, times, in general, were slower and perhaps even less stressful. Today, most people (young and old alike) want things done now—quickly and correctly. This may explain, in part, why adults tend to do more things for youth.

We can promote initiative and perseverance, which are part and parcel of responsibility, by asking ourselves, “If I do this for the youngster when I know that the youngster is capable, will I be depriving that person of an opportunity for growth?”

If YOU want to grow, do it yourself.

However, if you want the other person to grow, don’t do those things for these people that they can do themselves.

Have you ever caught yourself doing something for a child or student that you know that youngster could do him or herself? What steps will you take to let the child do those tasks from now on? Please share your experiences in the comments below.

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